Every Waking Moment - By Chris Fabry

Every Waking Moment is a story about

Treha, a custodian in an assisted living facility, who has an incredible gift.  She has a unique ability of relating to the elderly patients and helping those who might be considered lost to find their way back.  

Devin is filming a documentary about the residents at Dessert Gardens, the same nursing facility where Treha works. After an unlikely meeting, Devin becomes interested in Treha's extraordinary ability and shifts the focus of his documentary to tell her story.  As details are revealed, the documentary begins unlocking her past.

The chapters alternate between Treha's    story and scenes from the documentary. Having the documentary interspersed throughout the novel was an great idea, but I thought it was a bit confusing and the scenes were often unrelated to what was going on. 

I have enjoyed other books by Chris Fabry, but this one was just ok.  Treha is an interesting character, but I found the details of her life to be too unrealistic, and I just couldn't get into this plot.

Disclosure of Material Connection: As a book reviewer I received this book free from Tyndale House Publisher for my review. The thoughts I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/EveryWakingMomentAuthorQ&A.pdf

Confessions of a Raging Perfectionist - By Amanda Jenkins

(Learning to be Free)

Confessions of a Raging Perfectionst is a story of one woman's battle with perfectionism.  Self-proclaimed raging perfectionist, Amanda Jenkins, shares candidly her addiction to perfection, from an addiction to diet coke to obsessive list keeping. Jenkins shares honestly and transparently with a bit of humor interspersed throughout this book. 

As an avid list keeper and a bit of a perfectionist  myself, I was intrigued by the title of this book. This is not necessarily a book about perfectionism, but rather a collection of personal experiences from the author.  Although it is relatable at times, there was nothing exceptional about it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: As a book reviewer I received this book free from Tyndale House Publisher for my review. The thoughts I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

By Faith, Not By Sight- By Scott MacIntrye

The Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threatening Illness, and an Unexpected Gift

Scott MacIntyre was born blind. The doctors have no explanation for his blindness. By Faith, Not by Sight is an account his inspirational personal journey through blindness, kidney failure, and a growing music career.

MacIntyre is a piano player, best known for his appearance on American Idol, as the first blind contestant to break into the top ten on the show. Prior to auditioning for Idol, Scott was a child prodigy, who graduated high school at age 14, was a Marshall scholar, and then traveled to London to pursue music, until at 20 years old, his kidneys failed.

This book is a candid account of an aspiring young musician and his faith despite hardships. MacIntyre's story gives readers a glimpse into his life, shares details about his blindness, and focuses on his experience with kidney failure and facing the possibility of a transplant. Scott McIntyre may be blind, but he is also a guy choosing to live by faith, not by sight.

Disclaimer: As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for my review. I was not required to write a positive review.

I Still Believe

A Memoir - By Jeremy Camp
I Still Believe is an inspirational memoir from well known Christian recording artist Jeremy Camp. This is his story of growing up in a Christian home, living in poverty, and his spiritual journey after loosing his first wife to cancer. Despite all his pain after Melissa's death Camp can honestly say he still believes.

Just weeks after his wife's passing Jeremy felt God calling him to pick up his guitar again. At the time, Jeremy did not necessarily feel like worshiping, but ten minutes later he had written the lyrics for the track "I Still Believe." In this song Camp calls out to God "I still believe in your faithfulness."

Through this book fans will enjoy getting a glimpse in to Camp's personal life, and discovering the inspirations for his lyrics and the stories behind these award-winning songs. I Still Believe is a story of pain, loss, and most of all hope.  For more information visit www.jeremycamp.com/IStillBelieve.

I also received a copy of Jeremy Camp's recently released CD "Reckless." This CD of 11 worship songs including the title track "Reckless" challenges listeners to be Reckless for Jesus. The lyrics are encouraging and the music is typical Jeremy Camp. Fans of his previous music will not be disappointed. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: As a book reviewer I received this book and CD free from Tyndale House Publisher for my review. The thoughts I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

Our Favorite Sins: The Sins We Commit & How You Can Quit - By Todd Hunter

Our Favorite Sins, by pastor Todd Hunter, is a book about overcoming temptations and gaining victory over sin.  The book cover claims this book to be"the essential guide for beating temptation."

A recent study by the Barna Group revealed that the top five temptations are anxiety, procrastination, gluttony, media addiction, and laziness. Hunter explains how temptations and desires work to produce sin within us and claims we sin is based in our disordered desires  This book describes what "our favorite sins" are but doesn't offer much practical advice to combat them.  Instead the auhor recommends we can steer clear of temptation by reordering our thoughts, feelings,  and desires and by wanting  and becoming passionatly focused on God.

This was a boring read and ultimately not something I would recommend.  I was hoping for some useful advice or new insights about sin, but unfortunately this book did not deliver.  As a book reviewer, I felt obligated to finish this book for my review, otherwise I would not have continued reading. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

As One Devil to Another - By Richard Platt

A Fiendish Correspondence in the Tradition of C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters

As one Devil to Another is the debut work that C. S. Lewis’s biographer, and contains a series of letters from senior devil Slashreap to his new protégé Scardagger, as he mentors on how to win a soul and keep it from Heaven.  The book claims to be written as if C.S Lewis himself wrote it, and is very similar to Lewis' book the Screwtape Letters.

This book is fiction but will give you a very real glimpse at the disturbing work of the devil. It will give you something to ponder, and help you to remember that the devil is real and will use any tool possible to capture your soul.  If you are a fan of the Screwtape Letters you might enjoy this book, but it is so identical to the original work that you might feel as if you've already read it.  However, if you like this genre of diabolical correspondence, I recommend The Ishbane Conspiracy by Randy Alcorn.  Alcorn's book, which was also modeled after The Screwtape Letters, includes correspondence between demons as well as a plot woven between the letters.  The other two books are simply written as letters without much plot.

Please read either book with caution and prayer.  Do not let the devil use this genre of books to deceive you as to who the real adversary is.

As a book reviewer, I received a copy of this book from the publishers.  The publisher has also given me an additional copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner.  Please comment on this post to enter a random drawing for this book. 



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge - By Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker

 "This year, dare to be uncommon every day."

In this one year daily devotional, Super Bowl champion coach, Tony Dungy, challenges you to be more than the world is calling you to be, to live a life of integrity by daring to be "uncommon." Each devotion includes Scripture and closes with an Uncommon Key - an application or action to implement based on what you've just read.

Insightful daily readings focus on the following themes: Core, Family, Friends, Potential, Mission, Influence, & Faith.  Coach Dungy does an excellent job speaking honestly and encouraging you to action through the uncommon keys.  Football fans and athletes alike will enjoy this book. 

I love that Coach Dungy is outspoken about his faith. That itself is an uncommon thing. Coach Dungy is the Tim Tebow of coaches. I am enjoying the devotions and look forward to becoming more "uncommon" this year. Are you ready to take the challenge, and dare to be uncommon too?

To view the author video or get more information check out the following links:
www.coachdungy.com/index.php/the-one-year-uncommon-life-daily-challenge/
www.coachdungy.com
www.tyndale.com

The publisher has given me an additional copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Smitten - by Billerbeck, Cobble, Hunt, & Hunter

The major industry in Smitten is closing leaving the residents worried about their town's future. Then one woman gets an idea to capitalize on the towns name and turn Smitten into a romantic tourist destination. Will the town residents get behind this idea, and will the tourists come?

Follow four of the Smitten women through each of the novellas as each woman has an opportunity to find love and become Smitten along the way.

I have read three of these authors before and was looking forward to this book. However, I did not like the storyline and thought it was a bit cheesy and predictable. It was a fun idea having four authors who are also great friends themselves write each of the four characters, but I just wasn't "Smitten" by it.

Disclaimer: As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Dug Down Deep - By Joshua Harris

Unearthing What I Believe and Why it Matters

Many Christians are just going through the motions, unsure of what they believe, unable to articulate the details of their faith, maybe just going to church, but not digging any deeper. But in this book, Harris challenges us to dig down deep.

Harris shares candidly about his own beliefs and explains the meanings of words like orthodoxy, theology, and doctrine. These words are not always common in today's churches. I admit that prior to reading this book I couldn't define these words myself.

If you are ready to dig deeper in your own faith, read this book.

Disclamer : As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Heaven is for Real for kids - By Todd & Sonja Burpo

A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back. As told by Colten Burpo to his parents. Illustrated by Wilson Ong.

After an emergency appendectomy, three-year-old, Colten Burpo shares this amazing story of his time in Heaven. In this children's adaptation, based on the best selling book Heaven is for Real, Colten shares details about Heaven just for kids. He explains what Heaven is like, and tells of how Jesus really, really loves the children!

Each page is beautifully illustrated and includes a Bible verse. Colten shares a very special message: Heaven is for real, and you're going to like it!

Disclosure:   As a book reviewer I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.

One Call Away - A Memoir - By Brenda Warner

Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith

Brenda Warner is the wife of NFL star Kurt Warner, the mother of 7 children, a registered nurse, a former marine, and Vice President of the First Things First Foundation, the organization she co-founded with her husband.  This is her story of facing life's challenges with faith.  Brenda shares candidly her struggles through divorce, betrayal, a deadly tornado, single motherhood, and parenting a child with disability. Her journey takes her from receiving food stamps, to being married to a wealthy football superstar.

After her first marriage fails, Brenda decides she wants a husband who shares her faith, but instead she ends up dating Kurt Warner, who was not a believer at the time.  Kurt eventually becomes a Christian, they get married, and he goes on to have a successful football career. I am not much of a football fan and wasn't a big fan of the book either.  Even though this story has a happy ending, it isn't a good idea to become seriously involved with someone who doesn't share your faith.

I liked that Brenda shares openly and honestly about what she has dealt with.  However, I felt that the book sends a mixed message. Brenda made some poor choices early on. She does not talk specifically about how God saw her through those difficult times.  In fact it seems like her faith is an after thought, and not her main focus.  But this book shows that God can still bless someone even after they have made mistakes and  God really is only one call away.

Disclosure: As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Place Called Blessing - Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins - by John Trent with Annette Smith

Josh is orphaned at age 4 and put into foster care. After a tragic accident three years later, he is labeled as "unadoptable" and raised in a group home. A Place Called Blessing is the story of how Josh puts his life back together after a difficult upbringing. His life is changed by an unlikely friendship with a new co-worker named Mike, when Mike's mom offers him the a room to rent. In their home, Josh receives unconditional love, and the gift of a blessing for the first time in his life.

A Place Called Blessing is a quick enjoyable book you can read in one sitting. It is a fictional follow up to the book "The Blessing" by Dr. Trent and Gary Smalley, which identifies the five elements of the biblical blessing that every person needs. Through Josh's story of redemption and blessing, readers are shown how to give the gift of a blessing to others. This is a wonderful, feel-good book, that will inspire you make your home a place called blessing.

This book ends with a invitation for you to be a part of the Blessing Challenge - One million people choosing to change the life of one child - their child!

Disclosure: As a book blogger I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Waiting Place by Eileen Button

Learning to Appreciate Life's Little Delays. 

We all spend time just waiting. The Waiting Place is a collection of stories from the author's life.  It reads more like an auto-biography, than a self-help book.  I was expecting a lecture on the importance of patience, or not letting life pass you by while you wait.  Instead, Button shares her message very subtly through examples of waiting from her own life. 

This would be a good book to read while you are waiting. Though it was not what I expected, Button is a great story teller.  I enjoyed the unique perspective and glimpse into the life of a preacher's wife.  She wonders why her life is defined by her husband's career and not her own.  Though she is a teacher and a mother she is always introduced as the pastor's wife. In the Waiting Place, she shares numerous stories, both humours and emotional, from different periods of waiting and reminds us that some of the most priceless gifts can be discovered while waiting for something else.

Disclaimer: I received this book free through the booksneeze book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Praying for Your Future Husband - By Robin Jones Gunn & Tricia Goyer

Preparing Your Heart for His

This is a book filled with stories and wisdom about marriage and the benefits of praying for your future spouse. Both authors share candidly their pain, struggles, mistakes, and of course prayers. The did an excellent job of blending scriptures, prayers, and other woman's testimonies along with their own experiences

As a married woman, I read this book not for myself, but to encourage my daughter and all the other single girls I know. I wish I had been praying for my own future husband before I got married. I would have liked to own a copy of this book back then too.

My daughter was 4 years old when she asked me how we would pick her husband and I told her we would pray about it. I originaly intended to wait until she was older, but instead she was anxious to start praying for him right away.  It is a blessing to watch her pray and to be praying with her for her future husband.

I would recommend this book to any teenage girl or unmarried woman.  This book could also be used as a guild for mothers to encourage and pray with their daughters.

Disclaimer: As a book blogger, I received a free copy of this book to review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

Daddy Dates By Greg Wright

Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts: The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter

Greg Wright, father of four teenage daughters, developed a plan to spend time with and get to know each of his girls through what he calls "daddy dates". In this book he shares his personal experiences and outlines some practical steps a dad can take to initiate dates to get to know his daughter and stay engaged in her life.
 
Wright started taking his girls on dates when they were between 6 and 10 years old. He wanted to teach his daughters respect, confidence, and what to someday expect on a date.  He would call his daughter up to ask her out to a unique date planned for that girls interests and personality.  Some of the dates were fancy, other dates were casual, but each date included some time talking with his daughter, listening to her, developing a trusting relationship and getting to know her better.
 
My favorite story is when Wright describes his first date with his 9 year old daughter. He brought her flowers, held doors for her, and took her to a nice dinner. Afterwards she was so moved  by the date, she started to cry, and told him she never felt so special. 
 
I definitely recommend this book.  It is a quick read that offers a lot of practical ideas. It's simply one dad sharing what has worked for him. Greg Wright recognizes the significant role a father plays in his daughter's lives and is using "daddy dates" to nurture that special relationship.
 
Disclaimer: I received this book free through the booksneeze book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Mere Churchianity - By Michael Spencer

Finding Your Way Back to Jesus-Shaped Spirituality

Michael Spencer, known on his blog as the Internet Monk asks, "Have you left the church in search of Jesus?" Spencer says, "In seeking to be a "good" Christian, I was deserting the truth that there is no gospel for "good" Christians, because the Lamb of God was nailed to an alter for those who are no good at pretending to be good. The exhausting effort to be a good Christian denies Christ. If you insist on securing your own holiness and acceptability, you disqualify your-self from receiving anything from Jesus. He came to the earth to save sinners, not good Christians."

While I loved this book, I'm not sure I agreed with everything he says. This is the type of book that really makes you think about things.  I liked that he challenges Christians to focus on the main point of the gospel which is Jesus.  I don't think we need to leave the church, or "churchianity" to do this. The church is not perfect.  But sadly, sometimes the church can start selling you "the church" and not Jesus.  Instead, Spencer recommends what he calls "Jesus-shaped spirituallity".

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Principle of the Path - By Andy Stanley

How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

What if there is a single unifying principle that governs what happens not only on the highway but in every area of life? Andy Stanley calls it the "principle of the path". He also claims that embracing the principle of the path is the key to avoiding regret. This is really a very simple principle, and yet it is what I would consider un-common sense. Direction - not intention- determines your destination. The choices that we make all lead to consequences. Andy Stanly relates this to being on a path and reaching your destination based on the direction of the path. If you want to reach a certain goal or destination you need to be on the right "path" by making choices to support your goal. I originally thought this was a self-help book, but in Chapter 1 Andy Stanly clearly states, "This is not a self-help book. I'm not offering you a formula. I'm not going to provide you with seven steps. My intention is to bring your attention to a dynamic that is operating in the background of your life." This book was good, and this principle is true! I wish I had followed this principle earlier in my own life. Divorce, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and most other heartaches are the result of a consistent pattern of bad choices. If you want to change your direction read this book. The Principle of the Path also includes a 25 page study guide at the end of the book for group study or individual reflection.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Couples Who Pray - By Squire Rushnell, Louise DuArt

The Most Intimate Act Between a Man and a Woman

‎In this book celebrity couples share how a commitment to prayer has made a difference in their marriages. Research presented in the book claims  prayer will improve your relationship and decrease your risk of divorce. The book challenges couples to commit to praying together daily for 40 days.

You don't really need to read the book, just start praying together for at least 5 minutes a day. If you take this challenge you can see for yourself how prayer works!  I believe praying together as a couple is a fantastic idea. I liked the concept of this book much better than the book itself.  The book was poorly written, and did not offer any practical advice on prayer. This is not a book for deep spiritual growth.  It is mostly just a collection of stories about prayer from minor celebrities.

The book didn't say how having children factors in to praying. I think only one couple mentioned praying with kids. My husband and I don't usually pray alone together, but we pray as a family every day.  Since reading this book we have started praying as a couple too. I definitely recommend praying together.  I do not recommend this book.

Disclaimer: As a reviewer I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Truth About Dating, Love, & Just Being Friends - By Chad Eastham

I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson to receive a free copy. This is a book to give teenagers real facts and faith based advice about the topics of dating, love and just being friends, just like the title suggests.  The book includes advice, statistics, quizzes, and a few fill in the blank exercises. The information was good, but I really enjoyed Eastham's style and thought his wit and personality would speak to teens at a level they would understand. I also liked the random facts at the start of each chapter. This book would be a good starting point to discuss real issues teens are facing.  I would recommend teenagers read a book like this before they start dating.

 

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze.com Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

If God is Good - By Randy Alcorn

Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil.

I am currently reviewing "If God is Good" for Waterbrook Multnomah.  In this book Randy Alcorn answers the profound question "How can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?"

"If God is Good" is a scripture-based look at what the entire Bible says about evil and suffering.  Alcorn also includes insight and stories from people who have lived through suffering and evil and yet continue to remain strong in faith. The information is excellent, and the amount of research that went into this book is very impressive. At 494 pages, I think the size of the book may be a bit overwhelming, however it covers all aspects and delves deep into this topic. At the end of the book is a scripture index that lists seven whole pages of scriptures referenced in this book. 
 
How can we reconcile a good and all-powerful God with the terrible evil and suffering we see in this world?  Read this book to find out. 
 
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.